Finance Manager - abu dhabi - Cognita Schools

    Cognita Schools
    Cognita Schools abu dhabi

    5 days ago

    د.إ240,000 - د.إ420,000 (AED) per year *
    Description
    Job Overview

    We are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager – Immediate start – to join our team at Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS).

    The successful candidate will lead the school's finance function, ensuring robust financial management, effective internal controls, and accurate, timely reporting in line with regulatory and organisational requirements.

    About


    AAESS:

    Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain, known for its 'Garden City' oasis setting.

    With over 2,200 children aged 3‑19, the campus is spacious and welcoming, boasting an indoor swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, a 566‑seat auditorium, a food prep and nutrition kitchen, an automotive garage, a TV & radio production studio, and two Apple Mac suites.

    We deliver the British Curriculum with iGCSE, AS, and A Levels; our 6th‑Form students secure places at prestigious universities worldwide.

    AAESS is the first school in Al Ain to obtain the British Schools Overseas Award, endorsed by the UK Government and quality assured by Ofsted.

    The school also holds the Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence and mental well‑being for students and staff.


    About Cognita:
    Cognita is a global leader in independent education, founded in 2004. We are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries, serving more than 85,000 students.

    Our purpose is to create an environment where each student can 'thrive in a rapidly evolving world' and to support their academic, social, and emotional development worldwide.

    Role Purpose

    The Finance Manager is responsible for leading the finance function across multiple entities, ensuring robust financial management, accurate reporting, and strong internal controls.

    This role oversees accounting operations, month‑end close, financial planning, and compliance with Cognita policies and IFRS standards.

    The Finance Manager partners closely with Procurement, AP, AR, Treasury, and school leadership teams to support business performance and decision‑making, providing leadership to finance executives and ensuring high‑quality service delivery to internal stakeholders.

    Key Accountabilities
    Financial Leadership & Governance
    Lead accurate and timely month‑end close, including review and approval of trial balance and key journals.
    Ensure compliance with IFRS, Cognita internal accounting policies, and external & group audit requirements.
    Oversee prepayments, accruals, and balance sheet integrity across all entities.
    Prepare annual financial statements, including primary and secondary disclosures.
    Reconciliations & Internal Controls
    Ensure completion and review of all banks, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations.
    Strengthen internal controls, driving audit‑ready documentation and process compliance.
    Oversee intercompany reconciliations and ensure completeness and accuracy of cross‑charges.
    Financial Reporting & Planning
    Lead preparation of monthly management reports, variance analysis, and performance packs.
    Support strategic planning through budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycles.
    Ensure accuracy of cash‑flow forecasting and treasury‑related reporting.
    Stakeholder Partnership & Business Support
    Act as a key finance partner to internal stakeholders and school leadership teams.
    Provide strategic insights and recommendations to support operational performance.
    Supervise and guide finance executives, delegating and reviewing work.
    Responsibilities
    Month‑End Close & Reporting
    Oversee all month‑end close tasks and ensure timely submission of entity results.
    Review and approve prepayments, accruals, and key accounting schedules.
    Prepare monthly performance pack inputs and lead variance discussions.
    Coordinate business planning, annual budgeting, and quarterly forecasts.
    Reconciliations & Compliance
    Review and approve bank and credit card reconciliations.
    Ensure timely resolution of outstanding items and ledger issues.
    Lead audit preparations, providing schedules, justifications, and supporting evidence.
    Ensure correct and compliant intercompany and cross‑charge accounting.
    VAT & Treasury
    Review VAT schedules, filings, and ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations.
    Lead cash‑flow preparation, monitoring, and variance review.
    CAPEX & Fixed Assets
    Review and approve CAPEX proposals, ensuring financial governance and alignment with policies.
    Oversee AUC tracking, fixed asset capitalization, and depreciation analysis.
    Stakeholder Engagement & Cross‑functional Collaboration
    Resolve escalated finance queries from schools and regional teams.
    Provide guidance, coaching, and development to finance team members.
    Person Specification
    Qualifications
    Professional certification (ACCA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent).
    Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
    Proficiency in ERP solutions (e.g., NetSuite, NSPB Planning, Excel).
    Experience
    5–7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
    Experience in the education sector or multinational organisations preferred.
    Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
    Proven ability to lead a finance team and manage multiple priorities.
    How to Apply

    If you are passionate about education, possess strong leadership skills, and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you Please include your current, up‑to‑date CV.

    Complete your application before the closing date. The closing date for applications is 6th March 2026.

    Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same from their employees.

    All new staff will undergo detailed and enhanced pre‑employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.

    We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

    Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.

    #J-18808-Ljbffr
    * This salary range is an estimation made by beBee
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